Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A code reading device comprising: a control unit configured to control to irradiate a code attached to an item with a first light and a second light different from the first light; a reading unit configured to read information corresponding to the code based on a reflected light from the code; and a processing unit configured to: apply no discount to a price of the item when a first reading with the first light is successful; apply a discount to the price of the item by a discount condition associated with the second light when a second reading with the second light is successful based on the first reading being unsuccessful.
This invention relates to a code reading device designed to enhance the reliability and flexibility of reading codes attached to items, particularly in scenarios where initial reading attempts may fail. The device addresses the problem of failed code readings due to factors like poor lighting, damaged codes, or suboptimal positioning, which can disrupt transactions or require manual intervention. The system includes a control unit that directs the irradiation of the code with two distinct light sources—a first light and a second light. A reading unit captures the reflected light from the code to extract the encoded information. The processing unit evaluates the reading results: if the first light successfully reads the code, no discount is applied to the item's price. However, if the first reading fails, the device attempts a second reading using the second light. If this second reading succeeds, a discount is applied to the item's price based on predefined conditions linked to the second light. This approach ensures that transactions proceed smoothly even when initial reading attempts fail, while also incentivizing the use of the second light through discounts, potentially improving overall system efficiency and user satisfaction. The device may be used in retail, logistics, or inventory management systems where reliable code reading is critical.
2. The code reading device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit performs control to irradiate the code with either the first light or the second light.
A code reading device is designed to read optical codes, such as barcodes or QR codes, by illuminating the code with light and capturing the reflected or transmitted light to decode the information. A common challenge in such devices is ensuring accurate reading under varying lighting conditions or when the code is partially obscured. To address this, the device includes a control unit that selectively irradiates the code with either a first light or a second light. The first and second lights may differ in wavelength, intensity, or other properties to optimize readability based on the code's characteristics or environmental conditions. The control unit dynamically chooses between the two light sources to enhance contrast, reduce glare, or improve signal-to-noise ratio, thereby improving the reliability of code reading. This selective illumination allows the device to adapt to different scenarios, such as reading codes on reflective surfaces, in low-light environments, or when the code is printed on materials that interact differently with light. The overall system ensures robust and accurate code reading by dynamically adjusting the illumination source.
3. The code reading device according to claim 1 , wherein the second light is a mixed light of at least two lights, and wherein the processing unit makes the discount associated with the mixed light.
A code reading device is designed to read optical codes, such as barcodes or QR codes, under varying lighting conditions. The device includes a light source that emits a first light to illuminate the code and a second light that assists in reading the code. The second light is a mixed light composed of at least two different light sources, such as different wavelengths or intensities. The device also includes a processing unit that analyzes the reflected light from the code and applies a discount or adjustment to the mixed light signal to improve readability. This adjustment compensates for variations in ambient light or surface reflections, ensuring accurate code detection even in challenging environments. The mixed light configuration allows the device to adapt to different surfaces and lighting scenarios, enhancing reliability in industrial, retail, or logistics applications. The processing unit may use algorithms to dynamically adjust the mixed light parameters based on real-time feedback, optimizing the reading process. This approach improves the device's performance in low-light or high-glare conditions, reducing errors and increasing scanning efficiency.
4. The code reading device according to claim 3 , wherein the processing unit makes the largest discount of respective discounts associated with the at least two lights included in the mixed light.
A code reading device is designed to decode information from light sources, particularly in environments where multiple light sources emit overlapping signals. The device includes a sensor to capture light signals and a processing unit to analyze the captured data. The processing unit identifies at least two distinct light sources contributing to a mixed light signal and applies a discount to each light source's contribution to isolate the individual signals. The discount is a reduction factor applied to the intensity or other characteristics of each light source to separate their contributions from the mixed signal. The processing unit determines the largest discount among the discounts applied to the at least two light sources in the mixed light. This adjustment helps improve the accuracy of decoding by minimizing interference between overlapping signals. The device is particularly useful in applications where multiple light sources, such as barcodes or optical markers, are present in close proximity, ensuring reliable signal extraction and decoding. The processing unit's ability to apply and compare discounts enhances the device's performance in noisy or complex lighting conditions.
5. The code reading device according to claim 1 , wherein each of the first light and the second light is any one of a red light, a blue light, a green light, and an intermediate-color light.
A code reading device is designed to capture and decode visual information, such as barcodes or QR codes, under varying lighting conditions. The device includes a first light source and a second light source, each capable of emitting light in different colors, including red, blue, green, or intermediate colors. These light sources are used to illuminate the code, ensuring clear and accurate reading regardless of ambient lighting or surface reflectivity. The device may also include an imaging sensor to capture the illuminated code and a processor to decode the captured image. By using multiple light sources with adjustable colors, the device can adapt to different environments, improving readability and reducing errors in code scanning. This technology is particularly useful in industrial, retail, or logistics applications where consistent and reliable code reading is essential. The use of multiple colored light sources enhances flexibility and performance, addressing challenges posed by varying lighting conditions and surface properties.
6. The code reading device according to claim 1 , wherein the first light is a first intermediate-color light, and the second light is a second intermediate-color light that is different from the first intermediate-color light.
A code reading device is designed to improve the accuracy and reliability of reading optical codes, such as barcodes or QR codes, under varying lighting conditions. The device addresses challenges in conventional systems where ambient light or reflections can interfere with code detection, leading to errors or failed readings. The invention enhances performance by using a dual-light illumination system. The first light is an intermediate-color light, which is a non-primary color (e.g., a mix of primary colors) that provides better contrast against certain backgrounds. The second light is a different intermediate-color light, ensuring that at least one of the two lights will produce sufficient contrast for accurate code reading, regardless of the surface or lighting conditions. The device may also include a sensor to capture reflected light from the code and a processor to decode the captured data. The dual intermediate-color illumination system ensures robust performance in diverse environments, reducing the need for manual adjustments or additional lighting setups. This approach improves efficiency in applications such as retail, logistics, and manufacturing, where quick and reliable code scanning is critical.
7. A code reading method comprising: controlling to irradiate a code attached to an item with a first light and a second light different from the first light; reading information corresponding to the code based on a reflected light from the code, applying no discount to a price of the item when a first reading with the first light is successful; and applying a discount to a price of the item by a discount condition associated with the second light when a second reading with the second light is successful based on the first reading being unsuccessful.
This invention relates to a code reading method for items, particularly addressing the challenge of improving the reliability and flexibility of code scanning in retail or inventory systems. The method involves illuminating a code attached to an item with two distinct light sources—a first light and a second light—and analyzing the reflected light to read the code. If the first reading attempt using the first light is successful, the item's price is processed without any discount. However, if the first reading fails, a second reading attempt is made using the second light. If this second reading is successful, a discount is applied to the item's price based on predefined discount conditions associated with the second light. This approach enhances code reading accuracy by providing a fallback mechanism and incentivizes the use of the second light through discounts, potentially improving system efficiency and user engagement. The method ensures robust code detection while offering financial benefits for successful readings under specific conditions.
8. A non-transitory storage medium in which a code reading program is stored, the code reading program that causes a computer to perform: controlling to irradiate a code attached to an item with a first light and a second light different from the first light; reading information corresponding to the code based on a reflected light from the code, applying no discount to a price of the item when a first reading with the first light is successful; and applying a discount to a price of the item by a discount condition associated with the second light when a second reading with the second light is successful based on the first reading being unsuccessful.
This invention relates to a code reading system for items, particularly addressing the challenge of improving code readability under varying conditions. The system uses a non-transitory storage medium containing a code reading program that operates on a computer to enhance the reliability of code scanning. The program controls a device to irradiate a code attached to an item with two different types of light—a first light and a second light. The system reads information from the code based on the reflected light. If the first reading attempt with the first light is successful, the item's price is processed without any discount. However, if the first reading fails, the system automatically performs a second reading using the second light. If this second reading is successful, a discount is applied to the item's price according to a predefined discount condition associated with the second light. This approach ensures that items can still be processed even if the initial scanning fails, while incentivizing the use of the second light through discounts. The system improves code readability and provides a fallback mechanism to enhance user experience and operational efficiency.
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January 5, 2021
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